While most Java Virtual Machine (JVM) errors can be recovered by reloading the BlackBerry Device Software on a BlackBerry smartphone, it is possible for JVM Errors raised by the BlackBerry Device Software to occur when interacting with the underlying BlackBerry smartphone hardware that is no longer operating as expected. An example of such a failure would be the corruption of the physical flash memory.

Reloading BlackBerry Device Software for the following hardware related JVM errors will not permanently clear the JVM error that was initially raised:

JVM Errors are raised by the BlackBerry Device Software during various activities to make the BlackBerry smartphone user aware of a failure in which the BlackBerry smartphone could not safely recover normal operation. Although JVM errors may occur as a result of software related issues only, the following JVM errors are known to result due to interactions with the BlackBerry smartphone hardware:

JVM Error 501: During memory management, freeing of resources from memory failed as a result of possible corruption

JVM Error 517: The BlackBerry Device Software encountered unexpected data in a memory location which is used for normal operations

JVM Error 535: Interaction with the file system has experienced a catastrophic failure

JVM Error 547: While writing data to the file system, a failure was detected

JVM Error 548: While erasing data from the file system, a failure was detected

For JVM Error 517 scenarios on the BlackBerry Bold 9900 smartphone , please first update the BlackBerry smartphone to the latest available BlackBerry Device Software before contacting the wireless service provider for repair or replacement options. For instructions on how to update the BlackBerry Device Software, visit the BlackBerry Device Software Updates web site or see KB03621.

This specific occurrence of JVM error 517 Reset that can be resolved with a software reload is detailed in KB30332.

If the issue persists after reload or upgrade, please contact the wireless service provider for repair or replacement options should the BlackBerry smartphone still fall under the warranty coverage.